What to do if your Sectional Garage Door won’t open or close
Here are our top troubleshooting tips to help you avoid getting locked out—or trapped inside—your garage again.
Common reasons your Sectional Garage Door won’t close or open
Remote control or keypad issues
If you're pressing the remote control or keypad and your garage door isn't opening or closing, start with the most basic solution—check the batteries. Dust and grime can also cause issues, so give the automatic garage door opener a good clean before rebooting the system. Damaged wires can also cause problems so check for frayed wires or loose connections. If you do find damaged wires, you'll need to have them professionally repaired.
If the issue persists, it may be a programming issue. Reprogram the keypad following the instruction manual or reset the code and reconnect it to your remote control. Finally, check for interference blocking the signal from the remote or keypad to the opener.
Garage door sensors are misaligned or blocked
Garage door sensors are designed to prevent accidents by reversing the door if they detect an obstruction. If your door won’t close, start by checking for any dirt, dust, or debris blocking the sensors. A quick wipe with a clean cloth can often resolve the issue.
Sensors also need to be properly aligned to work correctly. Check their positioning by loosening the screws and adjusting them until the indicator lights turn on.
Broken springs or cables
If your garage door suddenly falls, is unbalanced, or makes loud noises when opening or closing, broken springs or cables may be the issue.
You shouldn't attempt to fix broken springs or cables yourself as it can be extremely dangerous. The best course of action is to call a professional technician to repair the problem, they have the right tools and expertise to ensure your garage door operates functionally.
Track misalignment or obstructions
Regular maintenance is required to keep your garage door tracks in good condition. Neglecting this can result in a range of garage door issues.
To check for misalignment or obstructions, follow the manufacturer's instructions to clean and lubricate the tracks to ensure there is no dirt in the door's path and that it can operate smoothly. Then, inspect the tracks for any signs of damage. If the garage door still won't open or close, it's time to call in a professional to diagnose the problem.
Garage door opener malfunctions
Inspect the motor, mounting and visible wiring for signs of damage and if there is nothing visually wrong, you can move to check the power source. Sometimes a circuit breaker may have tripped, so check your switchboard to see if this has happened. If the breaker trips again after being reset, the motor may be faulty and require professional repair or replacement.
How to avoid issues with your Sectional Garage Door
Performing regular maintenance on your garage door makes unexpected failures less likely. Take a few minutes every couple of months to check that the door itself and its sensors are properly aligned, use a silicone-based lubricant after cleaning the metal tracks and replace remote batteries regularly. If the door becomes stuck, won't close correctly or begins to make unusual noises, seek expert advice from a qualified garage door repair service to avoid further damage.
If you notice recurring issues or have an old garage door, think about replacing it with one of the highest-quality options on the market from Windsor Doors. Our NZ-made garage doors help reduce the long-term costs of maintenance and repairs, save you money on your power bills and increase the value of your home. Visit our website to find an installer or to organise a free measure and quote for a reliable garage door that won't leave you out in the cold.
Frequently asked questions
How do I fix my garage door that won't open or close?
To fix a garage door that won't open or close, start by checking the keypad or remote control and power supply to the motor. Next, ensure the sensors aren't preventing the door from opening or closing correctly and that there aren't any obstructions on the garage door tracks. If you think you might have damaged springs or cables, contact a garage door repairer for expert assistance as it's not a problem you should attempt to fix yourself.
How can I manually open a Sectional Garage Door?
To manually open a Sectional Garage Door, locate the manual release, which is usually a red handle or cord, and pull down firmly until you hear a click that indicates it's disengaged from the opener.
Why is my garage door not responding to the button or remote?
If your garage door isn't responding to the button or remote, start by replacing the batteries, check the power source, and make sure the lock button isn't on. Rule out interference by standing close to test the remote and check the wiring on keypads and the opener itself to rule out damage. If the problem persists, contact a professional.
Why is my garage door clicking but not opening or closing?
A garage door that's clicking but not opening or closing could be due to problems with sensors, like loose hardware, or faulty components. Check the garage door opener and keypad for signs of loose or damaged wiring and ensure you have fresh batteries in your remote.